It can be called a framework, but it's a specific one. This framework is for the presentation portion of an application. Smarty is not an MVC however, and many people like to confuse them. Smarty is the View (V) of MVC.

I was trying to use Smarty to manage my presentation.
I am working to develop a special class that can interact with the database, determine the models and views, and is able to display the contents using database and flat files (templates).

It will have a simple configuration only, and I am putting it into my core of the classes - but tightly bound with the Smarty.

Hoever, I have NOT modified any files from Smarty distribution. So, any further updates in Smarty can be simply upgrated.

I am waiting first, my project to release and get tested. Then, I will get a confidence working with my class, and will be able to document it properly before I can release it to the public. I will try to bring this to the community, as soon as possible.

Thanks.
(But it is still not truly a MVC, but a very specific framework to use Smarty and database driven contents).